Factors affecting frit solubility in glaze suspensions

In view of the importance of certain problems relating to frit solubility in ceramic tile manufacture, a study was undertaken to determine how a set of different factors affect frit solubility. It was determined how the solubility of two Mts was modified of the type of raw material used to make the frits and a series of variables relating to the glazes prepared from these frits. Relevant information was thus obtained regarding the industrial use of the frits, which is where the problems occur. The influence was specifically studied of milling time, suspension temperature, standing time, stirring intensity and the chemical composition of certain additives (binders and deflocculants) on solubility. They were all found to substantially affect frit solobility, specially for certain elements (calcium, magnesium and cinc).